MEET THE TEAM

Kiki Stokar Von Neuforn

Office and National Event Manager

Kiki is ‘system’ and ‘organisation’ obsessed! She keeps the whole team in check. What would we do without her!

Not to forget, Kiki has been instrumental in organising national events, managing every aspect from planning to execution. Her expertise and efficiency have consistently resulted in successful and memorable events.

When Kiki closes her laptop she enjoys cooking, baking, house renovations, swimming and walking her little monster – Bluey.

Tina Innes

Program Manager – National

Tina played a special role in Buddy Up Australia from the very beginning, being one of the three Founding Directors of the organisation. Tina stepped down as a Director in 2022 to travel Australia and upon her return reconnected with the organisation and the timing was right for Tina to reconnect on a deeper operational level as the new Program Manager.

Tina brings a wealth of experience in leadership and management to the organisation. Along with her in-depth knowledge of Buddy Up Australia and military background, we are very excited to welcome Tina to the team. Tina will be based in Western Australia.

Hassan Bhatti

Marketing Manager

Meet Hassan - with a background in the Defence industry, state government, IT, Legal and Ecommerce. He brings extensive expertise in Marketing and Communications, including Marketing Campaigns, Branding, Digital Marketing, and Team Leadership. His visionary approach combines strategic planning, creativity, and analytical skills to align marketing with business goals. And when he’s not conquering the business world, you’ll find him slam-dunking on the basketball court or turbo-charging startup growth like a superhero with a Masters in Marketing.

Ross Gordon

Member Support Officer

Ross is based in WA and along side working with Buddy Up, also works as a Mental Health Support Coordinator. Ross is heavily into soccer (footy) and when he isn’t on the field, you will find him picking apart war movies due to poorly executed skills and drills 😊

Dave Every

Program Coordinator QLD and NSW

David Every, a father of three adult children and five grandchildren, is on a mission to empower and inspire adults from all walks of life to get the most out of their lives. With an extensive background in retail, child protective services and the disability sectors, David understands how important it is to connect with others to develop meaningful relationships. His unique value proposition lies in his ability to listen carefully and guide members towards developing solutions that fit each individual's needs. His vision for success is based on fostering growth through connection - both interpersonal relationships and one's relationship with themselves - while upholding the core principle that we are not what we do but who we are as individuals today.

Naomi Skelly

Program Coordinator Tasmania

Meet Naomi, a passionate explorer of science, history, and culture. With a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Environmental Earth Science, complemented by a Graduate Certificate in Cultural Heritage, Naomi is a dynamic blend of knowledge and curiosity. Having journeyed through cutting-edge museums and art galleries across eastern

Australia, Naomi proudly dubs herself an “Eastern Seabourdian”, having lived everywhere from Townsville to Tasmania, with a sprinkle of the Outback in between.

Her diverse work history includes handling dinosaur bones, uncovering archaeological marvels, delivering exhibitions, facilitating events, and preserving cultural treasures – all fuelling her zest for life.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Naomi’s heart beats for community engagement. She’s lent her time to volunteer organisations spanning archives to fishing clubs. An animal enthusiast, she finds solace in exploring with her dog and enjoying cozy moments with her cat over a cuppa and a book.

Now, Naomi brings her unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to Buddy Up

Australia, where she’s all about making an awesome difference. Get ready to embark on exciting adventures with Naomi!

Eve Kelly

Program Coordinator Victoria

Eve’s background is in social services, having worked for many years supporting the well-being of others in a number of diverse community settings. More recently Eve worked for a fast-paced Registered Training Organisation in the Creative Arts industry. Eve is also passionate about volunteering and everything wonderful it brings to those involved. She and her Whippet Spencer love their volunteering role in aged care, providing social connection and lots of doggie pats to isolated elderly people. Originally from New Zealand, Eve’s family has strong connections to the NZ Defence Force going back as far as her great grandfather serving in the Māori Pioneer Battalion in Gallipoli WWI. In her spare time as well as hanging out with her husband and two daughters, Eve can often be found strumming on her guitar or keeping up the fitness in a gym dance class.

Jodie Turner

Member Support Officer

Jodie - Wife to a Police Officer, Mum to 2 beautiful boys (and a naughty Beagle Wilson 🐶)

Has a background in Nursing and Special Needs Education. My journey has led me to appreciate the value and importance of community and support, which aligns perfectly with Buddy Up Australia's mission and core values.

Joining Buddy Up Australia is a great opportunity for me to contribute to creating a community, giving people a sense of purpose and belonging. I love to spend my days with my family in the Aussie outdoors, camping, bike riding, paddle boarding and swimming (and a good book at the beach 📚